A CHARITY set up in memory of Liam Miller is preparing to offer its first grants to support underprivileged young people.

L.I.A.M. (Laughter, Inspiration, Art, Music) was established with the support of Liam’s dad, Pete, brother, Jamie and sister, Natalie, after the 20-year-old died following a stabbing attack in York in July 2015.

Liam, from Terrington, was a former pupil at Malton School and studied music and art at York College before going to university to study graphic design. A talented guitarist, he played in a local band, Nocebo.

L.I.A.M has so far raised more than £40,000, with the latest fundraiser a monthly LIAM's Acoustic Club at Terrington Village Hall.

Ian Hughes, a friend of the family who helped set up the charity, said their aim was to make grants to underprivileged youngsters going to college to study art and music.

“During the first year our aim was to build up money in the pot and we are now in a position to administer our first grants to students going into full-time higher education for the purchase of equipment or materials required to partake in their chosen studies,” he said.

“The family of Liam and trustees now want to get the message out that grants are available of up to £1,000 per individual are now available to apply for.

"These grants can fund the purchase of materials to enable the pursuit of higher education for young people in the first year of university, studying artistic or musical disciplines."

Grants can be for, for example, musical instruments, art materials, text books, software, hardware, such as cameras and laptops, and stationery, subject to stated criteria.

Ian said the charity had a number of fundraisers planned for this year, including LIAM's Acoustic Club.

"The club is on the first Friday of every month and is a new showcase for some of the area's finest acoustic musicians, including Gracie Falls, our guest in May, who has just won the national, unsigned songwriter of the year competition," he said.

"After a very successful inaugural concert in January, our February guests are the fabulous Stillhouse, who are renowned on the North Yorkshire music scene.

"Progressive acoustic music at its finest, Stillhouse are a mandolin, guitar, double bass and vocal trio ensemble, presenting beautifully crafted original songs and meticulously arranged instrumental material with roots in bluegrass, jazz and folk."

The gig starts at 8pm (doors open at 7.30pm) in the Wimbush Rooms at Terrington Village Hall.

Tickets are £5 and are available from Terrington Stores or phone 01653 648517.

An Irish night is also being held on Friday, March 17, at Ryedale Community Leisure Centre in Norton, with The Sons of Kildonan and the O'Connor Academy of Irish Dance. Tickets, which are available from the Topiary Tree in Malton, are £10 and there will be a raffle.

For more information, email doingitforliam@gmail.com or go to doingitforliam.co.uk